Winter is a great time to observe the framework of the Arboretum; the trees without leaves and bare stonewalls are the basis for lush summer growth, but are readily visible this time of year. Polly Hill Arboretum staff will guide you through the Arboretum for a fresh perspective. The walks take place on Saturdays, January 25, February 22, March 22, and April 26 starting at 10 am. Meet at the Visitor Center. Registration not required. Included with $5 admission, free for members.
If the walk is cancelled, notices will be posted on the Polly Hill website by 3:30pm the prior day.
Winter Walk is a non-profit organization raising awareness and funds to end homelessness in our communities. It centers on an annual walk, 2 miles around the streets of the city in February, the coldest month of the year. Winter Walk is our chance to link arms with those who experience homelessness and to listen humbly to their stories. It is our chance to show them that we care about their lives and to affirm our commitment to do all it takes to ease their struggles.
The 8th annual Winter Walk in Boston will be held on February 11, 2024. This 2 mile walk through the streets of Boston during the coldest month of the year will begin and end on the Boston Common at the open field at the corner of Beacon and Charles St. Participants, housed and unhoused, will walk shoulder to shoulder and then share a meal together as we hear real stories of Boston’s homeless population.
Join us on the Boston Common on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Registration opens at 8:30 am, the walk sets off at 9 am and we complete our event by 11am. For those who cannot join us in person, we will offer a remote option to walk anywhere and everywhere, and then to celebrate with us on February 11th.Register at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/winterwalk2024-boston/
Join Polly Hill Arboretum staff for a look at plants of interest in the winter landscape. Every season of the year the arboretum offers something of beauty and interest to visitors. Meet at the Visitor Center, 809 State Road, Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard, and dress for the weather. Tours are free with $5 Admission/ free for members and children 12 and under, and run for a little over an hour. No pre-registration required.
Winter Walk tours run the 2nd Saturday of each month, November – March.
Massachusetts Horticultural Society educator Katie Folts will lead a walk on the trails at Elm Bank Reservation, identify plants, and discuss how these plants have adapted to survive cold winters.
Get outside on Monday, December 21 from 10 – noon and make the most of the shortest days of the year! Reflect on the beauty of the season and walk along the Charles River. Meet at the Putnam Building, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley.
Northfield Mountain’s trails are a great place to snowshoe and look for wildlife sign. On this Saturday, January 24 winter ramble we’ll explore animal tracks, porcupine signs and search for signs of fisher. This program, beginning at 1 pm, will include an introduction to common track patterns and helpful tips for observing prints as well as the opportunity to follow tracks and sign to learn more about an animal’s behavior. Snowshoeing is fabulous exercise, incredibly easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary. A cup of hot cocoa by a fire will round out the afternoon. Participants should be in moderate shape and the program will include some off-trail tracking. If we are open for skiing, snowshoes are required. Bring water and snacks, wear wind pants or gaiters and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. Warm footwear is essential. All levels of experience are welcome. Free, or $18 with snowshoe rental. Call 1-800-859-2960 to register.
Explore nature in early winter in this hour-long ramble across fields and glens at Fruitlands on Saturday, December 27 beginning at 1 pm. Museum interpreters will lead participants in a guided walk along Fruitlands’ most notable features – a glacial beach, archaeological sites, scenic vistas of the Nashua River Valley and a thriving forest – as we watch for signs of winter. This walk covers a mile of varied terrain and should be considered moderately easy. Trail shoes, walking stick and warm hats recommended. No registration required. For directions to the Museum (102 Prospect Hill Road in Harvard, Massachusetts) visit www.fruitlands.org. Image from www.louisamayalcottismypassion.files.wordpress.com.
Winter in New England need not be a long dreary affair for gardeners. With some thoughtful planning and good plant choices your garden can take on a whole new life during the off season. Many hardy plants provide form, structure and even glorious color during the long dormant season. Join Tower Hill Botanic Garden Executive Director John Trexler for a tour of Tower Hill’s gardens for some first-hand examples of planting for year-round interest. The walk begins at 1:00 pm, and is free with admission. For more information and directions, visit www.towerhillbg.org.
Every season of the year the Arboretum landscape offers something of beauty and interest to visitors. This winter on the second Saturday of the month join Arboretum staff to explore the grounds in the “off-season.” Tours are at 10am and run for a little over an hour. Meet at the Visitor Center at 10 am and dress for the weather. Tours are free – call 508-693-9426 if the weather looks especially fierce. For directions, log on to www.pollyhillarboretum.org.
Great scenery and exercise, who could want more? A brisk winter walk will help you stay healthy and connected to the Arnold Arboretum at a time when the landscape is pared down to its beautiful bones. The emphasis is on fitness, with a healthy dose of information on seasonal plants and points of interest.  Join an Arnold Arboretum docent for this free walk, starting at 1 pm on Sunday, January 24 and lasting approximately 45 minutes. Meet at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. No registration is necessary. After the tour, warm up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate in the Visitor Center. For more information or possible weather cancellations, please call 617-384-5209. For directions, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
